The restriction of the species range of lxodes scopularis, Say, in Massachusetts by fall and winter temperature
1976 - Volume: 18 Issue: 4 pages: 618-625
Keywords
Acari
Ixodes scapularis
Distribution patterns
Species range
climatic effects
Massachusetts
Abstract
The species range of Ixodes scapitlaris (Say) in Massachusetts is restricted to a small coastal area of Southeast Massachusetts by a minor climatological gradient present during the fall and winter. Heat from seawater keeps the fall and winter temperatures above those inland such that I. scapu.laris can just maintain enough adult seasonal activity and a one year generation to establish a population. Minor shifts around the average mean temperature produce population crashes and explosions. Under these marginal climatic conditions, this species requires a high adult host density to maintain an infestation level.
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